Zsa Zsa is an impressive English bulldog. Not only is she a rescue pup, but she won the World’s Ugliest Dog competition in California. Her proud mom is Megan Brainard of Minnesota.
It is hard to say what attribute swung the judges to favor this pup. Perhaps the lolling tongue or upward-thrusting chin, or the drool that joined in both above winning possibilities. Regardless, Zsa Zsa, an English bulldog, worked her magic. The panel of judges could not award the 2018 World’s Ugliest Dog to any other entrant.
WINNING FEATURES
Before Zsa Zsa could compete, she and her human family completed a long road trip from her home in Minnesota — where her owner, Megan Brainard, owns a dog grooming shop.
The darling of the event, Zsa Zsa, who is 9, s spent five years in a puppy mill in Missouri. After her breeding years were over, this puppy mom was up for sale at a local dog auction. Luckily, she was purchased by Underdog Rescue. As a result, Megan bought her lock, stock, and nails, from this caring animal rescue group. As a result, this loving pup now lives out her retired life in Anoka, MN. Megan treats her with care and kindness.
Zsa earned high marks with her pink or fuchsia, depending upon the lighting, nails. Using these beautiful talons, she clawed her way to the winner’s circle pawprints ahead of the competition. As a result, this unique dog won the coveted trophy, plus a $1,500 prize.
ROAD TRIP
On Sunday, after the exciting win, Zsa Zsa flew from San Francisco to New York. The Today show begged to have the puppy on air. Thee Brainards flew on Jet Blue — which allowed the dog to sit in her own seat in the cabin. The crew and other passengers honored this winner with lots of attention.
FORMER TITLE HOLDER
Zsa Zsa inherits the Ugliest Dog crown from Martha, a Neapolitan mastiff. According to an article by NPR’s Colin Dwyer in 2017, Martha earned the coveted title because of her massive cheeks. The article described her expansive cheeks as nearly to her knees. It further suggested when she shakes her head, they flap like slobbery wings.
Zsa Zsa won in the 30th year of the annual contest. Some people might view the competitors as having imperfections. Event coordinators counter that this competition shows that all dogs are loveable and unique to their owners.